2 women injured in meth lab fire, Mobile fire officials say

MOBILE, Alabama -- Two women were injured during a meth lab fire at an apartment they were renting behind a residence in the 2900 block of Alston Court, Mobile Fire-Rescue Department officials said today in a news release.

Fire officials received the call at 7:20 a.m., spokesman Steve Huffman said. When firefighters arrived they found heavy smoke and fire coming from the upstairs apartment, Huffman said. Both occupants were found inside, he said.

A 53-year-old woman received a second-degree burn to her left leg and minor inhalation injury, officials said. A 35-year-old woman woman received some smoke inhalation, officials said. Both were taken by fire rescue unit to University of South Alabama Medical Center, officials said. The injuries did not appear life-threatening, officials said.

Fire investigators determined that the fire originated in a front room of the one-bedroom apartment and was caused by a methamphetamine lab that ignited, officials said. Damage is estimated to be $35,000, Huffman said.